Early Times Report
Akhnoor, Jan 18: The Department of Botany, Government Degree College (GDC) Akhnoor, hosted a hands-on training workshop on the “Cultivation Technology of Oyster Mushrooms (Dhingari)” to equip students and staff with practical skills in mushroom farming.
The workshop began with a welcome address by Prof. Nidhi Jarngal, Assistant Professor of Botany, who highlighted the entrepreneurial potential of mushroom cultivation for young students.
Prof. (Dr.) Romilla Malla Bhat, Principal of GDC Akhnoor, inaugurated the event and encouraged participants to embrace mushroom farming as a sustainable and profitable agri-business, particularly suited to the region’s stony, non-arable land.
During the session, Prof. Pooja Devi, Head of the Botany Department, provided detailed training on the cultivation process, including substrate preparation, spawning, and incubation.
Attendees observed practical demonstrations using wheat straw, which was soaked, drained, and seeded with mushroom spawn before being packed into polythene bags for incubation.
Participants were informed that the first harvest of Oyster mushrooms is expected within 35–40 days, offering a potential avenue for income generation.
The workshop saw active participation from around 50 students and staff members.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Ruhi Sharma, faculty member of the Botany Department. Prof. (Dr.) Romilla Malla Bhat lauded the department’s efforts and encouraged similar initiatives in the future to promote skill development and entrepreneurship among students. |
